Arman Tsarukyan wants to fight Topuria, targets five title defenses as goal

Arman Tsarukyan expressed his desire to replace Justin Gaethje and fight Ilia Topuria, stating his goal is to 'throw him out of the UFC.' The Armenian lightweight also set an ambitious career target, saying he will only stop when he achieves at least five UFC title defenses. Merab Dvalishvili clarified he has no problems with Dagestani fighters except Umar Nurmagomedov, whom he dislikes, while emphasizing healthy competition among fighters from Armenia, Georgia, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Topuria harshly criticized Tsarukyan, calling him unintelligent and claiming Arman spends his father's money rather than his own earnings, adding he would break Tsarukyan's jaw in the first round if they fought. Benoit Saint-Denis appeared to announce a fight with Paddy Pimblett by posting a roast beef image. Bogdan Guskov declined a fight with Bartosz Baranyevski.